Pumped hydro in the UK currently relies on low cost off-peak coal or nuclear power. The Venturo pumped hydro generation system uses no electric power to pump water and simply uses existing or enlarged water storage on farms - giving remote areas megawatts of power potential to feed into the grid when there is no wind, as well as giving farmers and wildlife more water for use in drought.

The Venturo Zero Energy Water Pump

Water Powered Technologies' large Venturo pump is an ideal vehicle for hydro generation. Using proven zero energy design, it pumps water from a flowing source to high level ponds and reservoirs where the water can then be fed back 'on demand' through turbine electricity generators. These systems, in adequate numbers, could provide an efficient means of buffering to the national grid, whereby this locally held power resource could be called on during the peak demand periods to prevent the risk of power outages. And because they could act locally, a Venturo system for hydro generation would incur lower transmission losses than other centralised alternatives.

Cornwall Hydro Generation Project

Water Powered Technologies are installing a demonstration technical feasibility pilot project in Cornwall. It is designed to test the integration with hydro turbines in a micro pumped hydro project, supplying the national grid and at the same time protecting wildlife. The University of Strathclyde will take the technical learning and wide environmental benefits back to Scotland to study roll-out potential and engage local Scottish stakeholders.

The aim of the project is to use the patented Papa Pump technology to make agriculture more sustainable and climate resistant and show how the Venturo system, integrated with a hydro turbine, can provide an efficient and environmentally friendly way of generating power and creating jobs for the local community.

Doug Bertram from Strathclyde University talks about the Venturo Pump

Principles of the Venturo System for Hydro Generation

The benefit of this system is that it provides flexibility so that a relatively small and compact high pressure turbine can be utilised instead of a conventional large pre-set pressure system. This means that the generator can operate over a large range of flow conditions and although not operating at peak efficiency, can produce electricity at a lower capital cost and provide periodically, much greater outputs.